Surgical methods for breast reconstruction or augmentation

Abstract

Methods for breast reconstruction and augmentation are provided which may reduce the incidence of capsular contracture. Methods for treating an encapsulated breast and reducing potential for capsular contracture in the breast are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for treating a breast at risk for capsule contracture, the breast having an encapsulated prosthesis therein, the method comprising the steps of:
 removing the encapsulated prosthesis from the breast to form a breast cavity and leaving the capsule tissue substantially intact in the breast; and 
 introducing a different prosthesis into the breast cavity, the different prosthesis having a porous surface defined by open-celled, interconnected pores having an average pore size of greater than about 600 μm;
 whereby the porous surface of the different prosthesis causes disorganization of the capsule tissue in contact therewith, and reduced risk of capsule contracture. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the different prosthesis has non-bioresorbable surface. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the different prosthesis has an elastomeric silicone surface. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the different prosthesis has a non-bioresorbable, elastomeric silicone surface. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein the encapsulated prosthesis is a smooth surface prosthesis.